Austin American-Statesman:Blind trusts become campaign issue

The Austin American-Statesman's Mike Ward delves into the issues raised in the governors race over "blind" trusts.

Read Mike Ward's article at the Statesman.

Tom DeLay trial to proceed in Travis County

Senior Judge Pat Priest has ruled that Tom DeLay's criminal trial on money laundering and conspiracy charges will be held in Travis County and set the date for October 26, 2010. DeLay will be tried separately from his two co-defendants, Jim Ellis and John Colyandro. DeLay told reporters, "I can't get a fair trial here...I think I'm more hated in Travis County than any other politician."

Tom DeLay Prosecution Proceeds - Finally!

After several years of pre-trial appeals, the prosecution of Tom DeLay on felony money-laundering and conspiracy charges is set to resume in a Travis County courthouse on Tuesday.

Read about the saga at the Austin American-Statesman.

Race for Campaign Cash:View totals and complete donor lists

TPJ has compiled total amounts raised, spent and cash-on-hand for each of the major-party legislative and statewide candidates on the November ballot. Totals reflect all fundraising and spending activity reported for the 2010 election cycle (January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010).

Just click on a candidate's name to open a spreadsheet of all itemized contributions reported by the candidate since January 1, 2009.
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View Totals and Donor Lists to all
Statewide Candidates
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View Totals and Donor Lists to all
Senate Candidates
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View Totals and Donor Lists to all
House Candidates
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In light of BP spill, advocates urge Texas to rethink corporate immunity

TPJ and its allies in the consumer, environmental and labor community addressed a joint House hearing Thursday to urge the legislature to overturn liability limits that give immunity for corporate wrongdoers and jeopardize community and worker safety.

Read the advocacy groups' media statement.

DMN: Murky land deals mark Gov. Perry's past

The Dallas Morning News explores a sweetheart land deal benefiting Governor Perry to the tune of nearly $500,000. The land deal was first reported by TPJ's Andrew Wheat in the Texas Observer.

Read the articles at DMN.

Murky land deals mark Gov. Perry's past. July 25, 2010
Rick Perry's property buyer was "invisible". July 25, 2010
White assails Perry land deals. July 27, 2010
Fraser failed to report Perry land deals. July 30.2010

Ethics Commission fines Rene Nunez, clears Rick Agosto in SBOE gift probe

The Texas Ethics Commission has resolved two complaints filed by TPJ alleging that State Board of Education members Rene Nunez and Rick Agosto failed to report gifts they received from a company seeking an investment contract with the board. The Commission found that Nunez failed to report a football outing provided by AEW Capital Management valued at over $700. Nunez was fined $400. The commission found there was no evidence that Agosto accepted a reportable gift from AEW.

Ethics Commission order against Rene Nunez can be found here.

T. Boone's Oil & Water Law Don't Mix

T. Boone Pickens' water company is urging the Texas Supreme Court to model state water law after Texas laws that govern oil and gas. Pickens' water-law scheme is a recipe for disaster if you don't happen to be an octogenarian billionaire.


Read the report

Perry's Mansion Spending Violates Campaign Laws, TPJ Alleges

TPJ filed an ethics complaint today alleging that Governor Perry's campaign violated disclosure laws by not itemizing how it spent $816,000 on mansion-related expenditures such as food, drinks, cable TV and chefs.

Read the full news release.
Read the complaint filed with the Ethics Commision.

DMN: Questions raised by Rep. Linda Harper-Brown's use of a Mercedes

Article in the Dallas Morning News reveals that Linda Harper-Brown drives a 2010 Mercedes owned by a major state transportation contractor.

Read the story at the Dallas Morning News.